Sr. Manager, Mascot Operations

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

The Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games will be hosted in Los Angeles, California in 2028, returning to the United States for the first time in over 30 years. 2028 will be the first time LA hosts the Paralympic Games, creating an opportunity to expand awareness, understanding and inclusion of people with disabilities.

LA28, the organizers for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles, is on a mission to create an unparalleled Games experience for athletes, fans, partners, our community and our people. Our vision is to collectively create what’s next through sport, community and the power of our differences.

The 2028 Olympics and Paralympics will represent LA and leverage the strength of our community’s creativity as we collectively work to design a Games that we all want to be a part of. We do this by focusing on people and by inviting everyone into the story of the LA28 Games.

The LA28 organizing committee is an independent, non-profit organization that is privately funded and governed by a board of directors. 

Values and Behaviors:

• Optimism – Embody a positive, enthusiastic, and solution-oriented attitude in everything we do; challenge the status quo, inspire and support one another to achieve our best; have our eyes on the future and believe we can make a meaningful impact
• Integrity – We communicate openly and honestly, listen, and respectfully value multiple perspectives; we do what we say and are accountable for everything we do; we do the right thing, always. Even when it isn’t easy
• Excellence – We hold ourselves to the highest standard and expectations; we live our values and truths and persevere through challenges; we are continuous learners and adapt and pivot with speed to meet changing needs
• Inclusion – We seek to represent, include, empower and level the playing field; our work reflects the communities we serve and the world in which we live; we leverage our platforms to bring awareness to issues relevant to who we are
• Co-Creation – We are authors of a shared story. Everyone contributes their unique voice to our shared mission; we share pride in our accomplishments and ownership of our shortcomings
• Boldness – We embrace creativity, courage and outside-the-box thinking; we are unafraid to take risks, explore unconventional solutions, and learn from the process; we are innovators, disruptors, and challengers of the status quo

Sr. Manager Mascot Operations

Highly organized and operationally experienced individual to lead the planning and execution of Mascot Operations for LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games. The primary responsibility of the role is to develop, articulate, and execute Mascot operations – inclusive of program development, staffing, training, operational planning & scheduling, and oversight – across the entire LA28 Games footprint. This role will also support with overall Mascot program and asset management. Ideal candidates would have experience managing complex costumed character logistics in theme parks or live entertainment environments.  

This role reports to the Director – Brand Strategy, Mascot, & Education. 

Key Responsibilities:

Operations & Logistics:

• Develop and implement scalable processes and tools for end-to-end Mascot Operations, from concept to execution. Including, but not limited to:
• Pre-Games & Games-wide costumes character appearance policies and procedures Appearance request program for both internal and external stakeholders
• Costume production and maintenance oversight (overnight cleaning and placement, repairs, assignments, etc.)
• Games-time appearance logistics, transport, maintenance processes
• Lead scheduling and location planning for multiple mascot performers and handlers across multiple venues and activations (including labor relations and policies) 
• Lead the collaboration with internal teams and external agencies on recruitment, onboarding, and training of Mascot performers and support staff
• Build and manage appearance timelines, transportation logistics, dressing room setups, and F&B coordination
• Ensure compliance with labor laws and union regulations, identifying and mitigating any operational constraints
• Work to budget and identify efficiencies and areas to maximize value 

IP/Brand Management: 

• Ensure Mascot appearances and asset usage align with LA28 brand guidelines and IP standards
• Manage Mascot-related assets, including tracking, distribution, and usage approvals
• Serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders regarding Mascot programming 

Health & Safety 

• Proactively identify and mitigate risks related to performer safety, environmental conditions, and venue logistics
• Partner with relevant teams to develop protocols and Mascot emergency response plans  

Background & Qualifications:

• Minimum 7+ years of experience in character programming, live entertainment operations, or theme park logistics (ideally managing multiple character performers and/or multiple locations)
• Proven success managing large-scale scheduling grids and performer logistics across multiple locations 
• Strong understanding of labor regulations, union requirements, and operational planning for live events 
• Experience working cross-functionally with creative, production, HR, finance, and legal teams 

Position Requirements:

• Ability to work on-site in an open office environment, based in Los Angeles, CA 
• The majority of work will be conducted in an office setting, requiring extended periods of time using computers, phones, and other office equipment  
• Hours of work may vary, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, especially during peak event periods 

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree or equivalent work experience  

Expectations:

• Strategic thinker with exceptional organizational and problem-solving skills
• Operational, on-the-ground executional expertise 
• Comfortable working in high-pressure, fast-paced environments with shifting priorities 
• Strong communicator (both written and verbal) with the ability to lead and interface professionally across all levels 
• Self-starter who thrives with minimal direction, able to give and receive candid feedback, and takes initiative to drive results 

Submission Requirements:

• Resume

The annual base salary range for this position is $105,000.00 - $140,000.00. The pay scale provided is the range that LA28 reasonably expects to pay as starting base compensation for this role. All LA28 compensation remains subject to final determination based on individual candidate qualifications, experience, or other reasonable criteria consistent with LA28’s operational business needs and applicable law.

LA28 does not provide relocation assistance.

LA28 is committed to operating fair and unbiased recruitment procedures allowing all applicants an equal opportunity for employment, free from discrimination on the basis of religion, race, sex, age, sexual orientation, disability, color, ethnic or national origin, or any other classification as may be protected by applicable law. We strive to build a team that is diverse, inclusive and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds, perspectives, and identities to apply. We will consider all qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with local law. We assess applications based on relevant skills, education, and experience a candidate can add to our team.